Patricia Turner

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?

"It is vastly over budget and it is currently being used to divert taxpayer's funds from the Education Trust Fund to the Education Freedom Account. An estimated $8 million has been diverted in the first year and an additional $14.7 million this year, far exceeding the NH Department of Education Commissioner's original projection of $130,000 in the first year and $3.3 million in the second year. About 85% of the recipients of these funds were already attending private schools, making wealthy communities, and private and religious schools the primary beneficiaries. It is expected that these numbers will continue to grow each year, making it difficult for the survival of schools in poorer communities."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?

"State legislatures should not be making reproductive decisions for women."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?

"State legislatures should not be making reproductive decisions for women."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?

"I need more information about this."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the state law that bans teaching certain concepts, such as the idea that people may be "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously"?

"School is where students can learn to respect one another and to work together regardless of their differences. Creating a more inclusive and accepting school environment teaches kids to recognize and resist stereotypes and bullying. Proactive education to help students understand diversity helps schools create a safer, more supportive learning environment for all students. All students should be teated with kindness and respect. A curriculum that includes diverse perspectives improves critical thinking, and cognitive and interpersonal skills as students consider viewpoints different from their own. Such skills help prepare students for adulthood, civic engagement, responsible citizenry, and the professional world. Learning about concepts related to race is about growth as individuals and as a community."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"In essence, the state already has an income tax in the form of the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) that businesses pay instead of residents. The BET taxes the wages, salaries, interest and dividends paid out by businesses. If the state adds an income tax paid by residents on earned income, it would be 'double-dipping' as businesses already pay taxes on wages and salaries."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"I understand the need to find revenue sources other than property tax. However, I grew up in a state with a sales tax. Its base sales tax rate was originally 2.0% and is currently 6.4% with the additional local option sales tax rate ranging from 0%-3.9%, for a total sales tax range of 6.5%-10.4% depending upon the city and county you are in. The tax is applied to the sales of tangible personal property, which includes the majority of items one would purchase such as furniture, home appliances, automobiles, clothes, office supplies, etc. It adds up very quickly. In my experience, once a state has a sales tax it is difficult to keep it low."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?

"The tax credit is in the form of a payroll tax exclusion and it is in effect until December 31, 2025."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"It is important for our state to attract and retain new businesses and though a favorable business tax structure is a key component, it is not the only necessary component. The Business Profit Tax (BPT) has already been reduced multiple times from 8.5% to 7.5% beginning in 2023, and the the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) was reduced from 0.6% to 0.55%. Let's not forget that businesses also receive benefits from the taxes they pay in the form of public services and infrastructure that enable them to operate. Other ways to attract business is to improve our infrastructure, invest in our state's renewable energy portfolio to reduce and stabilize utility rates, and to invest in quality public education to ensure NH's work force is part of our state's competitive advantage."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?

"For"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support giving voters who register without ID on Election Day a ballot that only counts if they return identifying documents to the state before a deadline?

"SB418, which forces certain persons to use an affidavit ballot, creates an unnecessary barrier for some voting by mail-in ballots. If the affidavit is not verified within 7 days, the vote will not be counted. Additionally, the law does not take measures to protect the privacy of the vote, which is fundamental to a free and fair democracy. SB418 shortens the timeframe during which New Hampshire servicemembers deployed overseas can cast their mail-in ballots, directly impacting the ability of those who serve to participate in our elections. As a proud mom of a U.S. Marine, I find this law unacceptable. Voting should be accessible for all eligible residents, not more difficult for some."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a fee or mileage charge for electric vehicle owners to help pay for transportation and/or electric infrastructure?

"I need to research this"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?

"Our state needs more affordable housing. I'd like to see new developments incorporate a more sustainable approach to building and living."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Do you support legislation to expand the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire extend the renewable portfolio standard past 2025, requiring public utilities to obtain more than 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources?

"The Northeast, New Hampshire in particular, has the most expensive utility rates in the country with electric rates rising more than $70 to an average resident's monthly bill, as well as high natural gas and oil rates. It is important to increase investment in New Hampshire’s renewable energy portfolio to provide reliable power supplies, diversify resources, stabilize utility rates, create jobs, and provide a more sustainable future for residents and businesses."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?

"State legislatures should not be making reproductive decisions for women."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the state increase funding for child care providers?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?

"In the Live Free or Die state we should be able to choose whether we vote in-person or by mail."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?

"The state needs to contribute more to alleviate the pressure on property taxes. The money spent on vouchers could go toward offsetting local property taxes."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?

"NH's minimum wage is the federal minimum wage at $7.25 per hour, which is $15,138 before payroll and tax deductions. The average monthly rent in NH is $1242 per month or $14,904 per year. Our minimum wage is not a livable wage. We have the lowest rate in New England. How NH compares: New Hampshire's minimum wage is $7.25 Maine's minimum wage is $12.75 Vermont' minimum wage is $12.55 Massachussetts minimum wage is $14.25 Our state must do better for our work force."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should the state permanently increase how much tax revenue it shares with towns and cities every year, beyond public school funding?

"For"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?

"According to an analysis done by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, nearly $9 out of every $10 of the tax reduction goes to the top 20% earners in NH (those earning upwards of $190,000). Of the $9, approximately 48% goes to the top 1% earners in NH (those earning upwards of $1.8 million). The NH Department of Revenue Administration projected the total lost revenue from this phase out to be $368.9 million during the phaseout period through 2028, followed by an additional loss of $116.9 million annually thereafter. Their projection didn't account for inflation or growth in the revenue base which will likely place the revenue losses at a higher amount."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should New Hampshire add legal protections for residents of other states who travel here for health care related to abortion or gender transition?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?

"State legislatures should not be making reproductive decisions for women."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I am in favor of gun safety regulations such as red flag laws, universal background check, concealed carry with a permit, permit should require completion of fire arm safety training - same as hunting permits."